On Universal Property vs Doubletree?

[JRoyster86]

Hi all,

I'm really inexperienced at Universal stuff, so bare with me here. We're looking to spend two nights/three days at Universal (before heading to Disney for a week, including the marathon), January 3-5, 2011. I'm trying to figure out if it would be better to book a room at the Royal Pacific, Hard Rock or the Doubletree near Universal.

The Doubletree is obviously much cheaper (especially with my AAA discount) but I am willing to pay more to stay on Universal property if it's going to make my trip that much easier. Is the front of the line access needed for early January? Are there more perks to staying on property? Is the Doubletree just not that nice?

Sorry if this has been covered multiple times, feel free to direct me to other threads.

Thanks in advance

 

[mjohnson96]

We really enjoy the onsite hotels. The perks include the unlimited express pass, which can save you some time and help you enjoy the day. Also, it is nice to be able to have a short walk or boat ride to the park. Now what some people have done is just to spend one night at the onsite resort and that will give you 2 full days of FOTL access.

The onsite hotels also accept AAA so make sure to call and see what the rates would be for you.

The pools are great, and even in January you should be able to enjoy them some since they are heated. You can also pool hop which is nice and City Walk has some great resturants for you to try.

 

[francie57]

Definitely on-site. We are headed back to the HRH in Aug. The unlimited express pass is well worth the extra cost. If you stay on-site, we have found that it is cheaper to make a room only reservation and then get your park tickets through AAA. We are AAA members and you will get a room discount through them. You will also get a small discount on the park tickets. While there, keep your AAA card handy since it will get you a 10% discount at the park restaurants, snack carts, shops and will also get a 10% discount at most of the City Walk restaurants. The exception being Emeril's and may one more. We do the same thing as you. We stay at HRH for two night and then head to Disney.

 

[JRoyster86]

Thanks for your thoughts! It's looking like I'm just going to have to pony up the cash and stay at Universal. If it'll make my trip easier, I'm sure I won't regret it! Thanks

 

[Metro West]

Thanks for your thoughts! It's looking like I'm just going to have to pony up the cash and stay at Universal. If it'll make my trip easier, I'm sure I won't regret it! Thanks

I'm sure you'll have a great time and won't regret your decision!